Joanna James
This iconic temple complex located 6km north of Siem Reap is on a UNESCO World Heritage site. Angkor Wat depicts the perfect blend of symmetry and symbolism and is full of fine carvings and motifs and is the largest religious building in the world drawing visitors to explore and learn more about it.
This 12th-century marvel of engineering with enchanting columns in shadowy hallways, serpent-clad balustrades, massive chiselled low reliefs with Khmer Empire Battles etc complementing intricate carvings and motifs is a massive complex yet it is not difficult to navigate your way through it as the complex is arranged on three tiers.
This large temple complex of Angkor Thom is an ancient Khmer capital separated by a moat full of crocodiles and is much larger than Angkor Wat. Visiting Angkor Thom is considered one of the best Siem Reap things to do. With five gates guarding the complex, each gate is an avenue lined with 108 deities representing good and evil. For visitors, these avenues provide memorable photographic opportunities not to be missed.
The important spiritual as well as the geographical centre of Angkor Thom, the Bayon is another artistic creation during the period of King Jayavarman VII. Giant faces numbering close to 200 gazes down from about 50 towers at the Bayon alongside finely crafted reliefs depict the ordinary life of the people during 12th century Cambodia.
Situated in the walled city of Angkor Thom the terrace of the elephants is famous due to the beautiful carvings of stone which are greatly admired by visitors from Anantara Angkor Resort. This terrace was used by the king of Angkor Jayavarman VII as a platform for viewing his victorious returning army.
Meaning Citadel of the Women, this small yet finely carved rose pink temple is considered a piece of master craftsmanship. Adorned by many carvings of apsara nymphs this was first built in 967AD, a long time before Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom were constructed.
This small temple built by King Jayavarman features a uniquely photo-worthy gateway due to it being clamped by the sprawling roots of a fig tree. Set in a scenic location, this temple has a resemblance to the popular Bayon temple due to having similar towers with faces gazing down.
Don't miss Bakong when exploring Angkor Archeological park. As one of the foremost temples in this region, Bakong had been built using a specific geometric matrix. This is an unmistakable style noted in the later constructed Angkor Wat. The temple grounds with many smaller temples provide a welcome space away from the crowds thronging at closeby Angkor Wat.
Kampong Khleang floating village located on the northern lake edge is a great place to observe and understand rural Khmer life. Visitors to the village are awed by the array of stilt houses rising to almost 10 feet during the dry season. During the wet season, the waters rise about one or two metres in the air. This well-settled community of people living on fishing and being contented in life.
Key Words - Siem Reap Things to Do. Anantara Angkor Resort
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
